SWINDON’S modern art collection has been impressing art lovers in the Metropolis.

The nationally important works, which include pieces by Lucien Freud and Henry Moore, are being shown at the Osborne Samuel Gallery in Mayfair after director Gordon Samuel discovered some of them were being stored out of the public’s gaze at Swindon Museum because of a lack of space.

“We’ve had a lot of people coming in, saying: ‘We had no idea that Swindon had this wonderful collection of art.’” He told the Advertiser.

In fact, he admitted: “I had no idea Swindon had a museum and I have had a home nearby for years.”

He said he only found out after popping in to Swindon one Saturday and hearing about the collection. He decided to go and take a look but was disappointed to see none of it was hanging.

“I thought: ‘What a shame.’”

Speaking to the curator the following week, he made a date to go and see the artworks. He was suitably impressed and decided to offer hanging space in his Mayfair gallery for free to promote a collection that is little known outside London.

He and staff at the museum hand-picked works which went on display on Wednesday night and were met with a warm reception. “People are absolutely fascinated,” said Mr Samuel.

Since discovering the collection he has become a supporter of the museum and art gallery trust’s bid to build a £22 million arts centre.

Combined with electrification of the rail line to London it could help to boost tourism to the town, he suggested, pointing out that both St Ives and Hastings had benefitted from having arts centres.

“If this was realised it would do a lot for the town, having an arts centre where you have got a vibrant theatre, the museum can have really good touring exhibitions and its own works. It is just so exciting, It will be, probably, one of the most dynamic arts centres outside London. I think the opportunity for Swindon is amazing.”